Jim Ugly by Sid Fleischman
Reviewed by Hannah
What if you were told your dad was dead but you thought otherwise and you were left with a dog you thought would only protect him and not you. Would you try and find him and take the dog or just let it go and both suffer? Would you give your life for a dogs or to find your father just because someone THOUGHT diamonds were stolen?

For Jake this is his dilemma. Even though he follows his gut Jake still comes face to face with his fears. Such as having no money, being lonely, and almost being shot. Jake and Jim Ugly do their best to get through each struggle. Along the way of trying to find his father Jake and Jim Ugly, the dog, become closer than they both ever thought. Meeting some friends throughout their journey they will soon discover everyone is connected one way or another.

Will Jim Ugly become Jake’s new partner in crime? Is Jake’s father alive? Whatever happened to the diamonds? Take a journey into the nineteenth century with this history mystery into the life of a scared young boy.